How to Love a Narcissist ~ Susan Schwartz

Susan E. Schwartz, Ph.D.

Saturday Morning Talk:How to Love a Narcissist

September 16, 2017

Is it possible? Is this you? On outer appearances these people are successful, performers and high achievers, but there is coldness and superficiality. They find false safety in aloofness, are untouchable and avoid hurt by taking the spotlight–always. Although sparkling and appealing, their inner life remains hidden and split, tumultuous. A combination of self-love fights with self-hate. Tracing the Jungian interpretation of narcissism through various examples, including dreams illustrates their charm, impenetrability and vulnerability.

The narcissist, characterized by the archetypal concepts of Puella/Puer signifies immaturity, lack of intimacy or genuineness. Wanting to be most special keeps this person out of touch with mater/materia as psyche and soma are dissociated. They feel empty at the core, without connection to natural instincts and emotionally deprived. So, why do we love them so much? Or, try to love them? Or, get caught in their desire for more as nothing is ever enough? How are we narcissistic personally and culturally and where is this healthy or not? These and other questions are part of the complexity of narcissism.

Saturday Afternoon Workshop:

September 16, 2017

In the myth by Ovid, Narcissus would grow old only if he didn’t get to know himself. The myth includes a significant female figure Echo who is often forgotten. The story highlights the lack of self and body awareness, unconscious distancing from self and others, the lack of union and imbalance between masculine and feminine. The complex psychological and cultural meanings revealing why a narcissist is not easy in love. And, what to do about it…This is what will be discussed during the workshop.

Susan E. Schwartz, Ph.D. was trained at the Jung Institute in Zurich, Switzerland, and has a degree in Clinical Psychology. She is a member of the New Mexico Society of Jungian Analysts and gives lectures and workshops worldwide. She has a chapter in Perpetual Adolescence: Jungian Analyses of American Media, Literature and Pop Culture, and several articles on Sylvia Plath in the online journals Plath Profiles and Depth Insights. Her private practice in Jungian Analytical Psychology is in Paradise Valley, AZ.